A POLITICAL activist has challenged young people to get active and join a new group to improve their communities.

Liam Martin-Lane, 20, of Hainault, is one of the organisers behind Redbridge Young Labour, a new local extension of the party’s national youth organisation.

The group launches on Thursday, November 30, at Wanstead Library and is aimed at 14 to 26 year olds eager to get directly involved in local politics.

Mr Martin-Lane challenged young people to back up criticisms with positive action and join the group to improve politics locally and nationally.

He said: “I am laying down a challenge to young people because I don’t want Redbridge Young Labour to be another group that is just going to protest or complain. 

“It’s a great opportunity to do something about which young people have all complained. If you see problems in your local community, here’s a great chance to join a larger group of people who could fix the problem.”

He hopes to see 100 attendees at the launch, which he believes is a possibility.

Mr Martin-Lane is motivated by frustration at the absence of young people in frontline political activism.

He said: “Throughout my time it’s been quite striking how little I hear or see of young people in debates for example. I want to give more young members that official outlet to engage with the party.

“I joined Labour because I saw issues in my local area that couldn’t be solved by complaining. I had to be part of a larger group of people to try and change the situation. When it comes down to serious matters of policy young people haven’t felt like they are being considered.”

The 20-year-old has been a Labour party member since December 2014.

The launch starts at 7pm and runs until 9pm.